Charging device for tilting molds



a Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Wm H M00175 w. D. MOORE CHARGING DEVICE FOR TILTING, MOLDS Filed June, 1925 March 15 1 Malfch 927 -w. D. MOORE CHARGING DEVICE FOR TILTING wows Filed July 8, 1925' 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 15} 1927.

w D. MOORE CHARGING DEVICE FOR TILTING MOLDS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 8, 1925 INVENTOR Z. M00165 Patented Mar. 15, 1927.

UNITED sT TEs PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM DAVIS MOORE, F BIRflINGHAIM, ALABAMA, ASSIGNOR TO SAND SPUN PAT: ENTS CORPORATION, OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, A CORPORATION OF DELA- WARE.

CHARGING DEVICE FORZTILTING MOLDS.

Application filed July 8, 1925. Serial No. 42,168

This invention is an improvement in a method of casting and in apparatus for car- 'rying out the method, and more particularly in a method of casting centrifugally;

In Patent No. 1,471,052 granted Oct. 16, 1923 a method of casting centrifugally with refractory rotary molds is described, wherein the mold is tiltable, and receives the charge offmolten metal while in inclined position, and while the mold is rotating onits axis. 7

Immediately after, or during the pouring of the charge, the mold is leveled, that is it is restored to horizontal position, this movement imparting to the molten metal performed quickly, within a; period, the duration of which is measured by seconds.

Yet the leveling operation must be performed quietly, and without shock or jar, so that while the normal flow'of the metal longitudinally of the mold due to the leveling operation is facilitated and accelerated, the acceleration is not to a degree suflicient to cause surging or waving of the molten metal. I

Since the metal cools rapidly as it flows into the mold, it is obvious that it should be quickly distributed, and with a minimum of travel between 1 the departure from the .charging means, and the attainment of its ultimate position in the casting.

Should the operation of leveling be completed prior to the completion of charge in. troduction, there is a liability to thickening of the casting wall at -the pouring end, and should the pouringbe completed an appreciable length of time before the completion "of the leveling operation the last portion of the charge must travel farther than is necessary.

It will be evident, from the above, that the time involved in the moving of the mold from tilted to'horizontal position is of the utmost importance, and that it is the highest portion of the mold by centrifdirectly related to the time and duration of the mold charging operation. The relation should be such that every part of the metal travels longitudinally of the mold only so far as its ultimate destination in 'the length of-the casting, there to be distributed circumferentially of the mold.

The relative speed of rotation of the mold during charging and casting is also of extreme importance. By the proper co-ordination of the two speeds, the mold may be'made to serve as a charging trough, that is as a'means to deliver the molten metal into p0sltion throughout the length of the mold prior I to its application to the mold wall, which is the primary purpose of the mold during charging.

This is especially true in casting with green or wet sand molds, in the manner set forth in application No. 33,704 filed May 29, 1925, for by such proper coordination,

the molten metal may be utilized to skin dry the mold during charging and prior to casting without liability to damage of the mold.

During the charging operation, which covers the period from the introduction of the first molten metal until the commencement of the casting operation, which is the placing of the molten metal on the'mold walls, the mold should rotate at a speed insufficient to h'old the molten metal in place .on the mold Walls. That is the speed should be such that the molten :metal is not carried beyond ugal force, but remainsfor the greatest part in a pool extending longitudinally of the lowest part.

Thus each part of the mold wall is subjected to a succession of fleeting contacts with the molten metal, sufii'cient to vaporize the surface moisture, thus to skin dry the mold, while at the same time the vapor has entire freedom of escape, and is in no way hampered by the molten metaL, v

The speed of rotation of the'mold during charging, and duringcastingshould be under extremely nice control in order that the operator may vary the-speed in accordance with the characteristics of the molten metal. With very fluid metal for instance, all of the .metal should be in the mold just as the mold reaches level position, and the speed of rotation should pass from low to high immediladle tilting operation.

For this reason fine control'of the movement of the mold to level position is necessary, and means in connection therewith to vary the time required for such movement, in accordance with the other factors of mold speed rotation control and the ladle tilting control. v

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a method of casting centrifugally, wherein the several steps of the operation, charging, leveling and casting, are co-ordinating ,or harmonized as to time, duration, and sequence or synchronism in such manner as to obtain the best possible results in the finished article.

may be utilized to skin dry the wet mold prior to casting.

Another object is wherein the mclten metah is introduced in a. continuous stream, of a volume such that the introduction of a selected charge will be completed, substantially simultaneously with the attainment of the mold to horizontal position.

Another object is the provision of a method, wherein the introduction of the charge is controlled by the leveling of the mold, and regulated in accordance with the inclination of the mold.

Another object is the provision of ii method wherein the introduction of the charge of molten metal, and the leveling of the mold are made co-incident and co-extensive.

Another object isthe provision of mechanism for carrying out the method wherein the relation as to time and durationhetween the several operations of charging, leveling, and casting may be varied in accordance with the characteristics of the molten metal.

Another object is the provision of mecha nism for connecting the mold and the pouring ladle in such manner that the movement of the mold tolevel position tilts the ladle to discharge the contents thereof into the mold.

Whencastingpipebelowacertainsize,

the provision of a method the arrangement must be such that the inflowing metal will not block the mold opening, t

us to prevent the escape of gases,

while at the same time theremust be a free The ladle used in'the pouring operation is usually of flaring construction, andthe surface area of the molten metal varies largely during the tilting of the ladle. At the beginning of the operation the surface area is substantially constant for a time, after which it increases rapidly to about the midway point of tilting, to again lessen rapidly until the ladle is empty.

I In the smaller sizes of pipe, four inches and below, these changing conditions of the -metal surface are of moment, since they modify to a considerable extent the volume of the flow from the ladle, in circumstances where it is especially desirable that the flow be continuous and substantially uniform in volume.

Another object of the invention is the provision of mechanism interposed in the connection between the mold and the ladle for tilting the ladle, to vary the speed of the tilting movement, in accordance with the vari- 'ance in the surface area of the metal in the .ladle during the tilting thereof.

In casting machines of the character in question, during the pouring and leveling, while the molten metal is distributing itself over the mold. surface, it is not advisable that the mold be rotated at more than moderate speed, since rapid rotation would hamper to some extend the spreading of the metal axiall of the mold. However, after the metal 1s distributed, relatively high speed isdesirable in order to compact the metal, and force it into close contact with the .inold wall.

Hence the selection of the speed should be under control of the attendant who controls 'the operations of leveling, pouring and disand another object ofthe invention is e provision in such a machine of acentral station, wherein controls are provided for' all of the mechanism entering into the operation.

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists in the method and the steps thereof, and in the construction and novel combination of parts fully described hereinafter, illustrated in'the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claims appended hereto, it understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of constructiolr within the scope of the claims, may he resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings;

- partly diagrammatic.

v Fig. 2 1s a plan view.

Fig. 3 is an end view with the hood in discharge position, and with I parts broken away.

F Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 5 is a side view of an-alternate construction, with parts in section.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the motor end of the frame.

Figs. 7 and 8 are side views of one end of the machine, with the parts in different positions.

Figs. 9 and 10 are details in plan of alternate forms of flexible connections between the motor and the mold.

Fig. 11 is a detail in section of the-latch mechanism of Fig. 5.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the improved machine includes a frame or carriage. 1 of suitable dimensions, which'is provided adjacent one end, but spaced apart therefrom laterally extending trunnions or journal pins 2, which'engage. bearing or cradle blocks 3 on suitable supports 4, to tiltably support the carriage. V

The opposite end of the frame moves between guide abutments '5, and the frame is tilted on the journal pins 2, by means of a plunger 6 working in a hydraulic cylinder 7, which is connected with a suitable source- Of fluid under pressure in a manner to be presently described.- The upper end of the plunger carries a friction roll 8, which en-' gages beneath the frame, and it will be evident that when the plunger is moved out I of the cylinder by the fluid pressure therein,

the end of the frame remote from the journal pins will be lifted, thereby to incline the frame. 1

A plurality of pairs of rollers 9 is mounted on the frame, the members of the pairs being in re ister transversely of the frame, and spaced apart from each other, and in axial alinement with the corresponding members of the other pair. Thepairs are spaced apart longitudinally of the frame, and the rollers are ada ted for engagement by track rings 10 on a flask 11 which carries the refractory mold.

One of these track rings has a beveled or V-shaped annular groove, which is engaged by correspondingly beveled edges of the adjacent pair of rollers 9. The other track ring mav'be sumlarly arranged 1f desired, hut usually thering 1's flat, since one grooved ring is suflicient to properly center'the flasks.

A hood 12 arc-shaped incross section cooperates with. the frame 1, to enclose the mold 11. The hood is hinged at one side edge to the frame, as indicated at 13, and

I it carries rollers 14 cooperatin with the track rings, to hold the mold on the carriage.

The rollers 14 are floating rollers, each being journaled on a cross pin 15 carried by a tubular housing 16, slidably mounted in a bushing 17 secured in an opening in the hood. The upper end of the bushing is internally threaded as shown in Fig. 4, and

the tubular housing is reduced annularlyexternally to receive an adjusting sleeve nut 18 which engages the threads of the bushing.- The housing has a'stop collar 19 at its upper end, and the collar is spaced from the annular shoulder 20 formed by reducing the upper end of the housing, a greater distance than the length of the sleeve nut, so that a limited vertical movement of the housing is possible. The adjusting nut carries a yoke 21, and a spring 22 is arranged between the yoke and the housing. The spring fits within a socket 23 carried axially of the housing, and the tension of the spring is adjusted by means of a screw 24 threaded through the yoke. The roller- 14 has its periphery beveled to fit the groove on the track ring 10, and it Will be evident that by means of the sleeve nut the pressure of the roller on the track ring may be varied.

The mold is rotated by a motor 25 of suit- 26 is slidablyconnected to a disk 30 securedon the shaft, by means of bolts 31, and

springs 32- encircle the bolts between thedisks. lieferring to Fig. 9 it will be noticed that the 'rear walls. of the slots 28 are beveled, to facilitate engagement of the cross key with the slots.

Themotor 25 is mounted on a' carriage 33 slidable in ways on the frame 1, toward and from the mold, thereby to couple and 'uncouple the motor and mold. The motor carriage is moved on the ways, by a lever 34. When the motor is moved away from the mold or flask, the cross key will be disengaged from the notches 28, and the mere movement of the motor toward the hood makes the coupling between the motor and the flask.

The flask containing the mold, which is refractory, and prepared either in the manner set forth in the. patent above mentioned, or in application SerQNo. 33,704" filed on May 29th, 1925 is placed on the carriage and discharged therefrom by means of the mechanism shown more particularly in FlgS; 2

and 3.. The said mechanism includeslaterally spaced substantially parallel flask runs or rails 35. Each of these rails, of which there are two in the present instance is pivoted at one end to a fixed support 36, upon which the flasks may rest, prior to their introduction to the machine, and after their discharge therefrom.

The runs are of a length to extend from the pivotal connection to a point beyond the flask whenit is on the rollers 9-14,'and the inner end of each is curved to substantiallya. semi-circle as indicated at 37. The free end of this curved portion is-provided with a roller 38 which engages the inner surface of the hood, to lift the hood when the run or rail is lifted. The arcshaped portions 37 of the rails provide a stop for limiting lowered prior to the casting operation.

The rails are lifted by plungers or pistons movable in cylinders 41, supported by the frame 1, and supplied with fluid under pressure in a manner to be presently described. Each raillias a-laterally extending lug 42 at about'the center of the arcshaped portion 37, and these lugs are directly above the plungers, a pl'unger'being provided for each rail. Each plunger has a friction roller 43 for engaging the lug. A pouring spout 44 is provided at that end of the frame 1 which will be highest when the frame is tilted, that is the end remote from the motor. The pouring spout is mounted 1n 2. support 45, which ishinged at 46 to theendof the hood, to swing the pouring spout into axial alinement with the p flask as shown in Fig. 1, or at substantially r ght angles thereto, as shown in Fig. 3. At the opposite side from the hinge connection means indicated'at 47 is provided for holding the support in the position of Figs. and 2. The said means is in the present instance perforated lugs on the support and hood, adapted to register to receive locking ins.

A ladle 48 of approved construction is tiltably mounted in the support 45. The ladle 1s received in an opening in a frame 49, which near its forward edge has laterally extending journal pins 50, received in bearings in the support. The journal pins have handles 51, and near the rear edge of the frame a second pair of handles 52 is arranged. The

handles 52 rest onthe support, and with the journal pins hold the support and the ladle against the support, prior to the charging of the mold. i

' As previously pointed out, the relation between the leveling of the mold and the time and duration of the pharging of the mold, is of the utmost importance. The relation should be such that as the metal flows into the mold, it travels longitudinally approximately as far as its ultimate destination inthe casting with a minimum of longi-' dinal' surging, and in the present invention advantage is taken of the movement of the mold in levelling to control the pouring operation.

The ladle and the mold are so connected,

that as the mold begins to vmove toward level position, the flow of the molten metal into the mold is initiated, and it is continued in accordance with the further movement of the mold. Thus by co-ordination of the movements of the pouring mechanism and the leveling mechanism, the operations are made'coincident in point of time, and coextensive in duration, and the same effect is attained, as though a uniform line of molten metal were laid longitudinally of a level motionless mold.

The coordinating mechanism includes a lever 53which is pivoted at 54 intermediate its ends, to a-fixed support. One end of the lever, as shown in Fig. 1, is in position to be engaged by the frame 1 at the end adjacent to the pouring spout.

When casting pipe in sizes of four inches and under, the metal must be inserted in the vmold in such a manner as to prevent choking of the opening, so that the gases will discharge freely. At the same time the t al must be entirely discharged fIQT ladle quickly. When casting pipe 'o size, a cam plate 55 is provided at thefiiutei end of the lever. 53.v The ladle support" has an outwardly and downwardly extending arm 56 at the side remote from the pouring spout, and the arm'is provided with a cross A strut indicated generally .at 57 is adapted to be arranged between the free end of the arm 56 and the lever 53 in the manner shown in Fig. 1. This lever has forks 58 p at its ends, which are intended to engage the cross. pin of the arm 56, and a cross pin 59 on a link 60, pivoted to the frame 1 as indicated at 61. The cross pin 59 moves in a slot in the cam plate 55 for apurpose to be presently described. The strut iscomposed of two sections, as Sl10\\'ll,lllt,'ll are' connected by a turn buckle 67, to enable adjustment in the length of the strut.

It will be evident from the description, that when the frame 1 which carries the mold is lowered in the leveling of the mold,-

the lever 53 will be swung, the outer end thereof ,moving upwardly. Through the strut this movement will be imparted to the ladle support and the ladle will be tilted on the journal pins, to discharge the contents thereof into the pouring spout.

The cam slot in the plate consists of two portions 63 and 64, ofl'set laterally from each other, and connected by an inclined portion. During the first movement of the mold toward the horizontal, the cross pin 59 moves in the portion 63 ot' the slot, while during the last portion of the mold movement, the cross pin travels in the portion 64 of the slot. The connection is such that the pouring commences as the frame and mold begin the leveling movement, and it is continued throughout such movement. Because of the cam slot however there is a difference in the rate of speed at the beginning of the ladle tilting and at the end. \Vhile-the cross pin moves in the portion 63 of the slot, the tilt-.

ing of the ladle is relatively slow, but a rela tively large amount of metal is flowing, due to the flaring construction of the ladle. While the cross pin is moving in the connection between the slot portions, the tilting movement is still slower but the volume of the stream discharged is substantiall the same, since the ladle is tilted about mi way and the surface area of the molten metal is at its largest. Were the speed of the tilting movement not lowered, the volume of the stream would be increased. While the cross pin moves in the portion 64 of the slot, the tilting is hastened but the volume of the discharge remains substantially constant.

Due to the peculiar arran ement just described, the quantity of meta discharged at any selected moment, is practically the same, and themetal is introduced in a continuous stream of substantially uniform volume.

The arrangement insures the entire discharge of themolten metal, while permitting the free discharge of gases from the mold.

During the pouring of the molten metal itis desirable that the mold be rotated at a moderate speed, as for instance 50 R. P. M. After the pouring is completed, and the I mold is level, thespeed of rotation should be materiailg increased, as for instance 1250 .1 pouring speed, and the latter the casting speed. After a lapse of time as for instance two minutes more or less, the speed of rotation is reduced to 900 R. P. M. This 'is termed running speed, and should con- The first may be termed thev this-point an electrical controller 66 is arranged, the controller controlling the con- I motion between the power line 67 for the current, and the lines 68 which supply the motor with the current. A speed indicator generator 69 is mounted on the motor frame,

and is driven from the motor by a belt/70,

connecting pulleys on the respective shafts of the motor and generator. A suitable speed indicator 71 is arranged in "convenient position for inspection by the attendant at the controller, and the indicator is in circuit .with the generator, by means of leads 72.

By means of the controller, the attendant can regulate the speed of the motor, and controls for the fluid under pressure to the cylinders 7 and 41 are also arranged at theipe three way valves ing to the atmosphere, and the pipe 76 has a drain 80 leading to a pressure tank 81, which is provided with a pressure gage 82, and a drain 83. A throttling valve 84 is interposed in the drain 80, and the drain 83 has a calibrating orifice 85. 7

When the valve 76 for instance is moved to admit fluid under pressure to the cylinder 7, the mold is tilted. lVhen it is desired to level the mold. the three way valve is turned to connect the pipe 74 with the drain pipe 80. The fluid under pressure now drains into the pressure tank, and by means of the throttling valve 84, the time required for drainage of the cylinder 7 may he nicely regulated so that the mold will" be leveled at the expiration of a selected period of time. Under normal conditions as to-the character of the metal and the like, the duration of the movement .should be approximately 35 seconds.

By means of the throttling valve the time required for the cylinder toempty itself may be varied. The dead weight of the frame 1 and associated parts exerts a constant pre s-' sure on the Plunger 6, and on the fluid 1n the cylinder. This pressure will discharge the fluid (water) within a definite time. if there is no resistance to the outflow of the fluid. By moving the throttling valve any desired resistance may be interposed,and a time at which change in speed should be made in the operation of the motor 25 can be definitely established and definitely maintained by means of the pressure gage 82 and the calibrating orifice 85.

In order that the attendant, may know the precise moment when the frame and mold attain the horizontal, asignal is provided,

controlled by the frame 1, and so arranged that at the moment when the frame moves into level position or immediately prior to the attainment of such position, the signal 90 on a fixed support, positioned to engage under pressure to and from the cylinders 41,

the contact arm 89 to close the circuit, when the frame 1 moves to horizontal position, or just prior to such movement. When the lamp burns, the attendant is warned that it is time to speed up the mold, to the casting speed. 7

The valve 77 controls the flow of fluid in which are arranged the plungers40, which raise and lower the hood. When the valve is turned in one direction, the fluid flows from the supply line to the cylinders, and

' the hood is lifted. When the valve is turned into another'position, the pipe 75 is connected with they drain. 79, and the weight of the hood and associated parts forces out the fluid under pressure.

In Fig. 5 an alternate construction is shown.' In this construction, the carriage 91 which is similar to that shown in Fig. 1, except that the flask supporting rollers 92 areflat, is pivoted at '93 to a suitable support, and is tilted by the plunger and cylinder construction 94. 1

The flask 95 rests upon the rollers 92, and

is held in place by the hood 96, which car ries the floating rollers 97. The flask has the track rings 98, similar to the rings 10 of-Fig. 1. The floating rollers are journaled transversely in the arms of yokes 99 which are slidable in bushings 100. arranged at openings in the hood.

A threaded rod 101 is rotatably connected with the bodyof each yoke, and each rod extends through a nut 102 supported by a cross head attheouter end of the bushing.

' signed to A spring. 103 encircles the rod between the cross head and a stop 104 supported in spaced-relation to the cross head by means of-rods 105 connected with the cross head. These rods 105 alsosupport a nut 106, into which is threaded a sleeve 107' encircling the rod. The sleeve bears against the stop 104,:

which is slidable on the rods, and is de-- ermit adjustment of the tension of the spring. The outer end of the rod is shaped to receive a tool to turn the same wlth respect to'the nut 102 before. mentioned,

which is slidable in a cross head. A hand wheel 108 is connected with the sleeve 107, for convenience in turning the same, and it. will be evident permits the pressure with which the floating roller engages the flask to be nicely regulated. The roller however is always a floating roller. In order to prevent turning of the yoke with respect to the housing 100, which would bring the roller 1% out of register with the rollers 92, the yoke is feathered in the housing, as indicated at 109.--- The hood and associated parts is lifted bythe fluid under pressure mechanism that shown at Fig. 1,.and'controlled in the. same manner. The motor 111 is'mounted to slide'toward and from the flask in the same manner as 25, and the parts associated indicated generally at 110, corresponding to therewith, are substantially the same as those shown in Fig. 1.

"The connection between the motor and the flask is somewhat different however. In

this construction the motor shaft carries a head 112, in which are pivoted angle shaped latches 113. Each of these latches has a portion substantially longitudinal to the shaft, and a portion radially thereto as shown. The longitudinal portions have inwardly extending lugs 114, which engage notches in the flask, to lock the head to the flask. As shown in Fig. 5, the substantially radial portions of the latches, extend beyond the head, into position to be engaged by a yoke member 115, slidable on the motor shaft. When the yoke member moves toward the flask, all the latches are swung on their pivotal connections, tov disengage them from theflask, and they are normally pressed into engaging position, by springs 116.

There is no tendency-to disengagement of the latches by centrifugal movement, the centrifugal'force acting on the heavier radial portions, to movethe latches more tightly into engagement with the. flask.

The ladle and pouring spout support 117, the ladle frame 118 and the ladle 119,- are similar in all respects to the corresponding parts of Fig. 1, and similarly arranged. The ladle frame has the arm 120 correspond- .ing to the arm 56 of Fig. 1, and a lever 121,

similar to the lever 53, is similarly arranged with respect to the frame 91. One end of the lever is adapted to be engaged by the frameas it moves to le el position to swing the lever, and the other end of the-lever has a plurality of cross pins 122.

In the operation of the Fig. -5 construction, a strut 122 of the same character, as

that shown at- 57 atFig. 1 is arranged directly between the arm 120 and the lever 121, the forks-at the ends of the strut engaging the cross pins 122, and a similar crossfpin on the arm 120. In casting pipe of sizes larger than four inches, the extremely nice regulation of the stream volume is not so essential, since. there is not the same liability carriage, and having radial arms 125 hav to choking of the mold. Hence the mechanism for regulating the volume of the flow 1n molten metal in the ladle'is dispensed with.

The operation of the Fig. 5 construction is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 1. When-the mold commences to move to levelv position, the. ladle commences to tilt, andthe leveling and tilting movements are co-incident and co-extensive. Mechanism is preferably provided for locking the motor carriage 1n the ways when the motor is engaged with the mold. This locking mechanism may be of any suitable construction, and it is operated by thewheel 123. In order to release the latches 113, means is provided, for moving the yoke 115, said means includes a shaft 124: journaled on the motor ing a pivotal and slidable connection with the yoke. The shaft is oscillated by means of a lever 126 connected to the piston of a cylinder 127, which is connected with the supply of fluid undel pressure to operate the pisto i It is desirable that the connection between the flask and the motor shaft be a flexible connection, and many varieties of such connection might be used. In Fig. 10 is shown an embodiment wherein the coupling head or disk 128 is connected to another disk 129 rigidly mounted on'the motor shaft 130 by' means ofcanvas or springs 131. The disk 13l-carries the connecting cross key 132 for en agingpthe'notches with the'flask. This em odiment is adapted for use with the V- band construction.

. It will be noticed that the mold supportmg frame is pivoted at a point somewhat removed from the end.- This arrangement permits a material balancing of the frame,

thus reducing the power required to tilt the frame, and at the same time reduces the distance which the frame must travel from.

' with the -movement of the mold to level at its ultimate destination in the casting.

' position, that the longitudinal flow of substantially all of the molten metal is checked the length of 2. Themethod'of casting centrifu al y in rotating tiltable molds, which consists in I inclining the mold, introducinga charge of 3 a -molten metal at the elevated end in a continuous stream fo'f substantially uniform volume quickly leveling the mold during the introduction of the charge, and regulating accordance with the surface area of the.

the-volume of the stream to complete the introduction of a selected char e, at the moment when the moldis in su stantially level position.

In a centrifugal casting machine, a

tilting mold; and mechanism for introducing molten metal into the mold operated by the movement of the mold to horizontal position, a signal. and means operated by the movement of the mold todisplay said signal just prior to the attainment mold to horizontal position.- i 4 4. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tiltingmold, a tilting ladle for the molten metal at the-elevated end of the mold, mechanism operated by the leveling of the mold to tilt the ladle, and means in connection with-said mechanism-to increase the speed of the tilting movement near the end of the leveling operation.

of the 5. In a, centrifugal casting machine, a

tiltingmold. a tilting ladle "for the molten metal at the elevated endof the mold,-mechanism operated bythe leveling of the mold to tilt the ladle, and means in connection with said mechanism to speed up the'tilting movement of the ladle near the end of the leveling operation. v 1

6. In a centrifugal casting machine, a

tilting mold, mechanism for introducing, molten metal into themold operated by-the movement of the mold to horizontalposition, said mechanism including a ladle and a pivoted lever havin one end in position to be depressed by time movement of.- the mold to level-position, and a quickly removable strut between the ladle and the other end of the lever. 7. In a centrifugal casting machine. a

to move into and out of position over the mold, a ladle at the end of the mold,.and a support forthe ladle provided with apouring spout, and hinged to-the end of the hood to insert .or withdraw the pouring spout from the mold. Y

8.111 a centrifugal casting machine, a

tilting mold, a hood for the mold mounted to move into and-out of position over the msert or withdraw the pouring spout from' tilting mold, a hood for the mold mounted mold,v a ladle at the end of the mold, and a the mold, and means operated by the level- 1 ing of the mold to tilt the ladle-on the support. I

9. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting carriage,'means .onthe carriage to rotatably support a mold, a hood hinged to the carriage to enclose the mold and provided with means rotatably engaging the mold to press itto the carriage, a ladle support having a pouring spout hinged to the mold at theend of the carriage to carry the pourin spout into and out of registration with the mold, and a tilting ladle carried by the support and delivering to the pour' ing spout.

10. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting carriage, lueans on the carriage to rotatably support a mold a hood hinged to the carriage to enclose the mold and provided with means rotatably engaging the mold to press it to the carriage, a ladle sup port haying a pouring spout hinged to the mold .at the end of the carriage to carry the pouring spout into and out or registration with the mold, a tilting ladle carried by the support and delivering to the pouring spout, a pivoted lever having one end in position to be engaged by the mold when it moves toward horizontal position thereby to swing the lever, and a quickly removable strut for insertion between the other end of the lever and the ladle, to tilt the ladle when the mold is leveled.

ll. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting carriage, means on the carriage to rotatably support a mold, a hood hinged to the carriage to enclose the mold and provided with means rotatably engaging the 'mold to press it to the carriage, a ladle support having a pouring spout hinged to the mold at the end of the carriage which is elevated during tilting thereof to carry .the pouring spout into and out of registration with the mold, a tilting ladle carried by the support and delivering to the pouring spout, a pivoted lever having one end in position to be engaged by the mold when it moves toward horizontal position thereby to swing the lever, a detachable strut for connection between the other end of the lever and the ladle, to tilt the ladle when the mold is leveled, and. aconnection between the strut and the lever to vary the discharge of the ladle during a selected part of its move ment.

12. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tiltlng mold, a tilting ladle for the molten metal, a lever swung by the mold as it moves toward level position, and a quickly removable connection between the lever and the ladle to tilt the same as the mold moves toward level position.

1 3. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting mold, a tilting ladle for the molten metal, a. lever swung by the mold as it moves toward level position, a connection between the lever and the ladle to tilt the same as the mold moves toward level posi tion, and means in the connection to in crease the speed of the tilting movement during selected periods.

14.-In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting mold, a tilting ladle for the molten metal, a lever swung by the mold as it moves toward level position, a connection between the lever and the ladle to tilt the same as the mold moves toward level position, and means in the connection to in crease the speed of the tilting movement during selected periods, said means including a cam track carried by the lever, a strut between the ladle and thetrack and engaging the track, and means operated by .the swinging of the lever to move the point of engagement along the track.

15. In a centrifugal castingmachine in cluding a tilting mold support, means to tilt the support including fluid pressure cylinders, and pistons in the cylinders connected to the support for tilting the support when the cylinders are charged, an'exhaust for the cylinders, and means to regulate the exhaust thereby to control the speed and duration of the movement of the support to level position.

' 16. In a centrifugal casting machine, including atilting mold-= support, hydraulic mechanism to lift one end of the mold support to tilt the'mold, and means in connection with the hydraulic mechanism for regulating the speed and duration of the leveling of the mold ,under the influence of gravity.

17. In a centrifugal casting machine, a mold support pivoted at a point nearone end, a hydraulic plunger for raising one end of the support from horizontal to an inclined position, means for controlling the operating fluidfor the plunger to permit lowering of. the support by gravity to substantially horizontal position, and a mold rotatably supported upon the support. 18. In. a centrifugal casting machine, a mold support pivoted at a point near one ,end, a hydraulic plunger for raising one end of the support from a horizontal to an inclined position, means for "controlling the operating fluid for the plunger to permit lowering of the support by gravity to substantially horizontal position, a mold rotatably supported upon the support, and means for permitting removal of the mold laterally from the machine.

192 In a centrifugal casting machine, a mold support, a mold rotatably carried on the support, a motor on the support movable axially toward and from the' mold, means operated by the movement of' the motor toward the mold to connect the motor and mold, and manually operated means to release the connection. A

20. 'In a centrifugal casting machine, a mold support, a mold rotatably carried on. the support, means to lift the mold from the support, said means including rails upon which the mold may roll laterally from and to the support, and normally operative manually releasable means to prevent the mold rolling away from the support.

21. In a centrifugal casting machine, a;

the hood.

mold support,'a mold carried thereby, a hood hinged to the support at one side thereof, to cover the mold thereon, a combined ladle and pouring spout support .hinged to the hood at the inlet end of the mold to swing the pouring spout into and out of alinement tion of the ladle and pouring spout support at the same side as the hinge connection of,

23. The step in the method of casting centrifugally in wet or green sand molds,

. which consists in rotating'the mold with molten metal therein at a speed insufiicient e to hold the'met-alv in contact with the walls thereof, until the charging is substantially complete, thereby to skin drythe mold.

24. The step in the method of casting centrifugally 1n tilting refractory molds inclined to facilitate charging, and subst tially level during casting, which consist a the metal, at a speed suchthat the metal 'clined to facilitate chargingl tially level during casting, w i

in rotating the mold during the charging of will not be held against the mold wall throughout such rotation thereof.

25'. The steps in the method of casting centrifugally in tilting refractory molds in and substanchv consists in rotating the mold during the charging at a speed such that the metalwwill not be held-v against the mold wall throughout such rotation thereof, and materially increasing the speed at or near the end of the charging operation to apply the metal to the wall of the mold centrifugally. 1

26. The step in the method of casting centrifugally, in wet or green sand molds, which consists in so manipulating the mold as regards inclination and speed of rotation, that the charge introduced at the high end of the mold will be retained in a molten pool of substantially uniform cross section extending from end to end of the mold until substantially all of the charge is in the mold. 27. The method of casting centrifugally in wet or green sand molds, which consists in so manipulating the mold as regards inclination and speed 'of rotation that the charge introduced'at the high end of the mold will be retained in a pool of substantially uniform cross section, extending from end to end of the mold, until substantially all of the chargilis in the mold, and afterwards leveling .w e increasing the speed of rotation to apply the metal to the centrifugally. in tilting molds, which consists in co-ordinating the operations ofpouring andleveling tobe co-incident in time and co-extensive in duration, and in rotating the mold at a; speed insuflicient to apply the molten metal to the mold, wall .while such charging and leveling of the mold istaking place.

29. The steps in the method of casting centrifugally 1n tilting molds, which consists in co-ordinating the operations of pouring and leveling to be co-incident in time and co-extensive' in duration,.in rotating the moldat a speed insufficient to apply the molten metal to the .mold' wall while such charging and leveling of the mold is taking place, and in then increasing the speed of rotation suflicient to apply the metal to the mold wall.

30. In a centrifugal castin rotatably supported mold, an a motor for rotating the mold mounted to move axially 6'0 ofthe mold, and radially movable normally operative latches in connection with the motor'for engaging the mold to connect the motor with the mold.

31. In, a centrifugal castin machine, a rotatablysupported mold, an a motor for of the mold, andradially movable normally operative latches in connection with the motor for engaging the mold to connect the motor with the mold, the latches counterclose engagement weightedtobe forced into by centrifugal action.

32. In a centrifugal castin machine, a rotatably supported mold, an a motor for rotating the moldmounted to move axially machine, a

rotating. the mold mounted to move axially I vof-the mold, and radially movable normally I operative latches in connection with the motor for engaging the mold to connect the. motor with the mold, the latches counterf;- weightedto be forced into close on agement by-centri'fugal action, and manua y operated means to simultaneously release the latches.

33. In a centrifugal castin machine, a I

rotatably supported mold, an a motor for rotating the mold mounted to move axially of the mold, and radially movable normally operatiqe latches in connection with the mo tor for engaging the mold to connect the motor with the mold, the latches counterweighted to beforced into close englagement by centrifugal action, and manna y operated means to simultaneously release the latches, including an axially movable yoke member engaging the counterwelghted portions-of all of the. latches 34. In a centrifugal casting. machine, a

tilting mold, mechanism for introducing I molten metal operated by the movement of and the lever, the strut having bifurcated ends and the ladle and lever stops to engage the said ends whereby to enable quick removal of the strut. i

35. In a centrifugal casting machine, a tilting mold, mechanism for introducing molten metal operated by the movement of the mold to horizontal position, including a ladle and a pivoted lever swung by the mold in its leveling movement, and a strut adapted to, be interposed between the ladle and the lever, the strut having bifurcated ends and the ladle and lever stops to engage the said ends whereby to enable quick removal of the strut, the strut adjustable in len th.

igned at Birmingham in the. county of J efl'erson and State of Alabama this 1st day of May A. D. 1925.

WILLIAM DAVIS MOORE. 

